Report 2024

Deforestation Regulation Readiness

Regulations like the UK Environment Act and EU Deforestation Regulation are soon coming into force. Is your company ready to meet the requirements? Hear from your peers by downloading our 2024 Report  from 300 Timber & Forest Risk Commodity Operators across Europe.

The clock is ticking toward implementation. Be prepared to seize opportunities for sustainable growth!
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Regulation countdown for Enterprises
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Why you need to prepare for the incoming deforestation regulations

Compliance in a nutshell

Incoming deforestation regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) are set to reshape businesses involved in forest-risk commodities, requiring them to adapt their supply chain practices to meet strict criteria for traceability and sustainability. Improving due diligence enhances reputation by aligning with regulation, consumer demand and improving business efficiency.

These regulations have been introduced to address environmental concerns such as deforestation, climate change, and human rights abuses. Businesses engaging with their provisions can contribute to global conservation efforts and gain a competitive edge by positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability, attracting conscientious consumers and investors. Proactive integration of these measures mitigates legal risks and fosters a more sustainable future.

Deforestation Regulation Readiness: Key Findings

In January 2024, we collaborated with Censuswide to survey 300 Timber and Forest Risk Commodity Operators throughout Europe to gauge their preparedness, concerns, and perspectives in anticipation of forthcoming deforestation regulations. These were our key findings:

Unawareness of any
deforestation regulations

18%
of respondents surveyed confess to being unaware of such regulations, marking a substantial rise from 3% in 2022.

The analysis extends to country-specific responses, highlighting a disparate state of readiness. For instance, 44% of UK respondents feel somewhat prepared, contrasting sharply with Belgium, where 24% have not yet commenced preparations. This disparity underscores the implications of varying levels of preparedness across borders, emphasising the need for a unified approach to compliance and risk management.

Time spent on tracking down customer information

82%
spend more than half their time tracking down information for customers

A staggering 82% of organisations reported dedicating more than half of their operational time to tracking customer information. This figure rose to 90% within the UK.

These numbers underscore a persistent challenge in operational management and the need for more efficient processes, especially with the looming implementation of regulations like the EUDR just eight months away (as of April 2024) for large enterprises.

I spend all, most or half of my time tracking down information requested by customers

Supplier challenges hindering traceability efforts

58%
say their suppliers are not willing or are unable to support their traceability effort

Concerns surrounding the push for increased traceability within supply chains were significant, reflecting apprehension about the readiness and capability of both suppliers and organisations.

A notable 58% of respondents indicated that their suppliers were unwilling or unable to support their efforts towards enhanced traceability, presenting an obstacle to compliance and operational transparency.

This concern was consistent across all company sizes. Enterprises expressed greater concern (65%) compared to small and medium-sized companies (49% and 56%).

Growth prospects linked to regulations

63%
say their organisation will grow in terms market share due to regulations

Notably, larger organisations expressed more positive sentiments. For example, almost twice as many Enterprises felt that regulations would have a positive impact on customer growth, profitability, and market share compared to the smallest of companies (<50 employees).

This disparity may signal the resources available to Enterprises or their experience with the implementation of other transformative regulations.

Growth potential with traceability solutions

50%
agree a traceability solution enables their organisation to grow positively

Additionally, 53% of organisations acknowledged that traceability systems would significantly streamline the sourcing of timber. Moreover, 51% expressed eagerness to implement such solutions, highlighting widespread recognition of its benefits.

Solutions such as Interu are exceedingly valuable in helping not only solve the challenges raised in this survey, but also harness the opportunities they present. This is because Interu provides the tools that effectively manage vast datasets and proactively pinpoints and tackles supply chain weaknesses before they escalate into regulatory or reputational risks. This method not only supports compliance but also enhances the resilience and transparency of the supply chain network, transforming potential challenges into prospects for advancement and expansion.

Dive Deeper: Enhance Your Understanding with Our Report

Our 2024 Deforestation Regulation Readiness report provides crucial insights to help you navigate the upcoming legislations. Equip you stakeholders with essential knowledge today.

Download PDF Report

“We are at a critical time in the timber industry. With sweeping new regulations on the horizon, it’s essential that those in the sector ready themselves. Our research shows a degree of openness among importers in Europe to get ahead of these regulations, but there remains hesitation and a lack of understanding of how traceability solutions can support them. Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), is perfectly placed to help businesses increase the traceability of their timber in the face of the upcoming regulation changes, as well as build bonds of trust across the entire timber ecosystem.”

David Coleman
Chief Product Officer at iov42

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FAQs

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Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
Where is data entered into Interu stored?
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Which geographical mapping analysis providers does interu work with to prove no deforestation activities at source?
How does Interu help me to be compliant with regulation?
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I am already certified. What is the extra value Interu brings that certification stands (such as FSC, PEFC, RSPO) don't have?
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Legal and Financial Implications
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